Save the date for Next National SDI Conference in Sarajevo

2019-05-15

On Wednesday May 22nd 2019 in Sarajevo, the National Conference “Leaving no one behind in the process of EU integration” will be held. The event is organized by Arbeiter Samariter Bund SEE in cooperation with the local partner LIR Civil Society, and together with FED BIH Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and RS Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

The Conference is organized within Social Dimension Initiative (SDI), launched in 2018 as joint endeavour of the ASB and local civil society organisations from the Western Balkans, and supported by a group of distinguished members of the European Parliament, to enhance dialogue between the civil sector, citizens and political elites both in European Union (EU) and WB on the necessity for the stronger social dimension of the EU integration for WB countries.  

It is expected that more than 100 participants will join the event, including representatives of the European Parliament, EU Delegation, German embassy in BH, representatives of the line ministries of social policy and protection, directors of regional and local NGOs, representatives of the municipalities that participate in SDI, as well as members of the IRIS network.

The main topics that will be discussed refer to the socio-economic perspective of the B&H, where ministerof FED BIH Ministry of Labour and Social Policy Mr. Vesko Drljača and RS Ministry of Health and Social Protection Mr. Alen Šeranić will present the situation in social policy, health, employment as well as reforms within these systems in the last couple of years. Issues of the impact SDI might have in this respect and of cooperation between public and civil sector will also be discussed.   

Representatives of the NGOs that implement the project Mr. Elmir Bojadžić, ASB SEE Director and Ms. Biljana Zgonjanin, LIR Civil Society Director will provide more information about the SDI.

ASB and LIRCD cooperate for years now on number of projects in B&H that are directly supported by the EU and German government.  Therefore, we expect to welcome at the Conference special guests, distinguished representatives of the EU H.E. Mr.  Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Head of EU Delegation in B&H and, Mr. Christian Sedat from the German embassy in B&H.  Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur for B&H Mr. Cristian Dan Preda will convey the support of the EU for the implementation of SDI via video message.

The best examples of the successful support of the ASB and LIRCD in B&H will be presented by the beneficiaries of current socio-economic projects, as well as organizations, members of the regional IRIS Network who are at the same time providers of the social services.

The mentoring program for 65 least developed municipalities in the WB was conducted within SDI. The program provided assistance in developing project ideas for the joint Regional Portfolio.  Almost 200 projects proposals will be developed, ready for financing and implementation. The representatives of B&H municipalities will present their project ideas at the Conference in Sarajevo, and the participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the mentoring program conducted by ASB and LIRCD in B&H. 

This Conference is the fourth of six planned national conferences that will be held in 2019 within SDI in the Western Balkans.

Namely, at the Regional Conference that was held in November 2018 in Belgrade, the SDI gathered Ministers in charge of the social policy from the Western Balkans, regional civil society and media as well as representatives of the EU institutions and other international partners have expressed their firm commitment to support the Initiative. On this occasion, the Declaration on Improving Social Policy in the Western Balkans was signed by all WB social Ministers and constructive dialogue initiated furthering improvement of social and employment policies and measures.

In order to address country specific topics and needs and continue national and dialogue with the European partners, we organise this national conference in Sarajevo. In addition to presenting specific social needs and problems in B&H, the event is an opportunity to present local communities that take active part in the mentoring process and to address particular issues of IPA funding, social impact of EU integration and support to social issues. In particular, this concerns social entrepreneurship and other local initiatives that tackle rudimentary social community needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Looking forward to seeing you on 22nd May in Sarajevo!


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ASB is a German aid and welfare organisation, engaged in areas such as civil protection, rescue services and social welfare services. As a non-political organisation, ASB has, since its foundation in 1888, provided rapid and direct help to all those in need of our support.

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